THERE IS a Jewish Proverb that says, "God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers.” And there is a common English saying that someone really brave to be a mother, someone strong to raise a child and someone special to love someone more than herself, pretty much shows how mothers are valuable. 

That is why, every year on May 12, the world honours mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on various days in many parts of the world, but most commonly on May 12.  

And to honour our mothers, The New Times Publications, in partnership with The Point, an events concern, organised an essay competition in which people had to write a letter or poem of not more 400 words as tribute to their mothers or any mother figure in their lives. 

The essays were in three categories: those aged between 7 and 12, those between 12 and 18, as well as adults. 

Out of the 50 essays that were received by The New Times, seven won and we publish them here today. The winners will receive their prizes today at 6:00PM at a dinner gala at the picturesque Serena Hotel in Kigali. Winners will also be treated to free dinners for two at different hotels and restaurants in Kigali. Other prizes include two nights at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, two nights at Nyungwe Forest Lodge, tickets for two from RwandAir to Entebbe or Bujumbura, three mobile phones and T-Shirts from MTN, flying over the volcanoes and Akagera National Park (sponsored by Akagera Aviation) and many others.

But if you are not one of the winners and would love to be part of the do at the Serena Hotel, tickets go for Rwf25,000 and can be bought from Eva Gara, who can be contacted on +250 782 029 803. 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Tribute to mama Pauline Uwantege

Mother, Mummy, Ma

Beautiful, angelic, sweeter than sweet, lovely, fair, kindhearted, el magnifico! Wondrous, persistent, patient, eh! Even as I write this, I am still unable to find a noun, an adjective or an expression which could possibly entail what you are and what you mean to me. It is said we walk amongst angels, you make that a fact.

From the start, I was a struggle, an obstacle course you gladly suffered. From the filthy nappies to my teenage tantrums, you stuck by me, watched me grow.

Like a gardener whose passion is roses, you cultivated me with great care and meticulous attention. You pruned me whenever I went astray. You saw my potential to be as beautiful as a rose. But Ma, all along you were my red rose.

You stood by me, watched and corrected me where you could. You motivated me to dream, to believe in myself. And when I was in trouble, you were my superhero. I would not call on superman, not even God, but you.

Mummy, you are my psychiatrist, you saved me from depression. Mummy, you were a mummy not only to me but to us and to the world. There are other mothers in the world, but I don’t think many would cause their child to think that you are your mother’s mother. Yes, you did that.

You are more than the best, you are divine, you are bliss, you are euphoria, you are home. God bless you and I love you.

By Mandela and Amahoro, annettte.mia@gmail.com

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Because

Because you gave me life 

Because you rocked me, fed me, educated me, accompanied me 

Because you taught me how to read, write and listen, 

Because you saw in me treasures that I did not know 

Because you always pushed me to go ahead and see farther, aim higher 

Because you taught me that the only truth is perseverance, and failures are just a step towards my future victories 

Because watching you taught me that change is the only constant in life and I should not get attached to material things 

Because you taught me that beauty begins in sobriety, and presence in discretion

That elegance is not just fashion but a way of moving, and being able to adapt to all the circumstances of life. And without elegance of the heart, there is simply no elegance…

Because you are my best friend, my confidante, and the person to whom I turn when life gives me difficult choices.

Because as children you engraved in our memories "If” this poem by Rudyard Kipling that end with the following line...”One day you’ll be a man my son” and I equally understood "One day you’ll be a woman my daughter” 

Because you taught me humility, calmness and consistency. But especially to stand tall in all circumstances, to be my most authentic self at all times, in all places. 

For all these lessons of wisdom, for your presence and your unfailing love. 

I praise you and I thank the heavens! 

Happy Mothers Day Mom. 

Michaella Rugwizangoga 

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A tribute to my Mom

The sun, moon and stars are God sent lights 

Most things we take for granted are beautiful sights 

The beauty of them all and the beauty of others 

Are no comparisons in the beauty of mothers 

Mama, you have given me so many gifts. Of course there are many tangible gifts, the things, the clothes, the shoes. And financial gifts—most everything you have done to my education comes from your kindness. I am so grateful! 

But I am even more grateful for the intangible gifts you have given me. 

Emotions. No one denies that you have plenty of emotions. And I seem to have received a good share of them. But those emotions allow me to live my life with joy and passion and a whole heart. Thank you. 

Tenacity. Some people probably call this stubbornness. You have it and so do I. But it is a great quality that enables us to push through, stick it out, not give up, never settle for less. I wouldn’t want to be without tenacity, because I don’t think I could have lived through my life without it. Thank you. 

Generosity. Many have mentioned this quality in you—because it is perhaps your most defining one. You have given and given and given. We have all benefited. And I am so grateful that you have passed that on to me. One of my greatest joys in life is to give. Since I don’t have a lot of tangible things to give, I have learned to give in other ways—through love, listening, encouragement and prayer. Thank you. 

So please accept my thanks, my gratitude, my appreciation for the multitude of gifts you have given to me. My life is so much richer because you are part of it! Enjoy the Mama’s day 

I love you, 

Didier Mutabaruka